Why Diabetes need not be the sweet kiss of death

Ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14 November, Active! gets you the facts on one of the most deadly lifestyle diseases that the World Health Organization estimates will lead to two million deaths by 2030

More than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes, according to recent estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). "Diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality right now," says Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, Head of Department, Minimal Access Surgery, Saifee Hospital.

He adds, "As Asians, and Indians, we have a higher degree of visceral fat -- fat on organs in the abdomen, or abdominal fat -- which pre-disposes us to developing Type II diabetes. Genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger."

Diabetes mellitus, known simply as diabetes, is defined as a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce adequate insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin produced by the body. Diabetes results in an increased concentration of glucose in the blood as the body is unable to metabolise the simple sugar. This is why controlling blood sugar is key to managing diabetes.

There are three main categories of diabetes: Type I diabetes, in which the body is unable to produce insulin; Type II diabetes in which the body is unable to use the insulin produced by the body, and Gestational diabetes known as hyperglycaemia, which is recognised during pregnancy. Type II diabetes accounts for almost 95% of all diabetes cases. Factors that contribute to this type of diabetes include age-related factors, consumption of a diet high in fat, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms and tests
Among the most common symptoms are polyuria or frequent urination and polydipsia or excessive thirst. Yet, these symptoms can sometimes go undetected. "Half the time noody knonws they are diabetic until they do a routine blood test," says Dr Lakdawala. Other symptoms include blurred vision, weight loss, and tingling in the hands and feet.

Experts advise having cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked at least once a year, apart from a blood sugar test. Annual trips to your dentist and opthamologist are also recommended, as diabetes can cause health complications in these areas as well.

Diabetes is known to cause a number of health complications, including skin, eye, foot, sexual problems. "Diabetes is one of the major causes of organic, secondary erectile dysfunction," says Dr Rajan Bhonsle, head of department, Sexual Medicine at KEM Hospital.

By 'organic' Dr Bhonsle explains that he means the reason is rooted in the body and not the mind, and by 'secondary', he means that the man must have a history of experiencing a healthy erection, prior to developing diabetes. "55% of the total cases of diabetes develop erectile dysfunction," says Dr Rajan.

Prevention is better
"Diabetes is reversible in certain cases, especially in cases where diabetes was originally caused due to poor lifestyle choices," says Dr Bhonsle.

"We advise all patients with diabetes to follow a balanced diet. It's also best to avoid fruit juices and consume fruits whole, as in the process of juicing a fruit, fibre is lost, which accelerate sugar levels very quickly in the body," says Reema Mehra, dietitian, Hinduja Hospital.

Experts agree healthy lifestyle modification is one of the key ways to managing diabetes. "Diet and exercise is the best form of prevention. Watch what you eat, and make exercise part of your daily routine," advises Dr Lakdawala.

Halle's battle with diabetes
It's hard to imagine that James Bond girl, Halle Berry, once needed to desperately lie down even as the cameras were rolling. The Hollywood hottie then collapsed on the set, and lay dangerously ill in a diabetic coma for a week.

"Diabetes caught me completely off guard," she said to a British tabloid. "None of my family had suffered from the illness and although I was slightly overweight in school, I thought I was pretty healthy.

I fell ill - dramatically - when I was on the TV show, Living Dolls, in 1989. I felt I needed energy but I didn't even have a minute to pop out and get a chocolate bar."

Halle was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. But today, with a healthy diet and good lifestyle, the star is winning her battle against this deadly D.

5 super foods to battle diabetes
Fenugreek (methi) seeds soaked overnight in water can be consumed the following day. The presence of alkaloid trigonelle, helps control blood sugar levels. Recommended serving: One tsp methi seeds in half cup of water

Oatmeal or oats contain beta-glucans, which have a blood-cholesterol lowering effect. Oats are also a good source of fibre. Recommended serving: One tablespoon in 150 ml skimmed or low-fat cow's milk.

Kidney beans or rajma have a low glycemic index, which helps to control blood-sugar levels in the body. They are a virtually fat-free high quality protein and have a high fibre content. Recommended serving: 30 g

Soyabeans are a first-class protein that have essential amino acids required by the body.The isoflavones present in soya, also reduces the risk of developing certain cancers. Recommended serving: 20 gm

Almonds and walnuts are a rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and Omega-3s: good for the heart and don't contribute to the increase in sugar levels. Recommended serving: 2 or 3 almonds and one walnut

Dear Doctor, Dr Altaf Patel
I suffer from H.Pylori stomach infection. My doctor says this is the cause of stomach ulcers. Can you suggest any dietetic changes?
A bland diet has been traditionally used. Milk has been used for a long time but has its opponents. Recently a yogurt containing IgY-urease, which is an antibody to the urease enzyme which H.Pylori uses to attack the stomach is under trial. Initial results are encouraging.

Are there advantages to being vegetarian?
Yes, vegetarians live longer and a veg diet reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes requiring oral medication (type 2), colon and prostratic cancers and obesity.

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